Development test

Developmental Psychology

The study of how people grow and change from conception to death.

Zygote

The fertilized egg during the first 0-2 weeks of development.

Teratogens

Harmful substances that can cause birth defects during prenatal development.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Physical and cognitive abnormalities due to heavy drinking during pregnancy.

Maturation

Biological growth processes that occur uninfluenced by experience.

Object permanence

Understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, developed around 8 months.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

The difference between what a learner can do without help and what they can do with help.

Secure Attachment

A type of attachment where a child is distressed when a caregiver leaves and is comforted when they return.

Contact Comfort

The preference for a soft and comforting source of attachment over one that provides nourishment, as shown in Harlow's studies.

Imprinting

A process where some animals form attachments during a critical period early in life.

Authoritative Parenting

A parenting style that is demanding but responsive, which leads to the best outcomes for children.

Preconventional Morality

Moral reasoning that is based on the consequences of actions, such as avoiding punishment.

Crystallized Intelligence

Accumulated knowledge that tends to increase with age.

Fluid Intelligence

Reasoning ability that tends to decrease with age.

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate over the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) to human development.

Schema

A cognitive framework or concept that helps organize and interpret information.

Gender identity

A person's personal sense of their own gender.

Menopause

The time in a woman's life when menstrual cycles permanently cease, typically occurring in midlife.

Empty Nest Syndrome

Feelings of sadness or loss experienced by parents when their children leave home.